PM Modi launches Viksit UDAN

New Delhi ( Pallavi Shrivastava) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the next phase of the regional air connectivity scheme, ‘Viksit UDAN’, and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, marking a major push to India’s civil aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity.

The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other dignitaries.

Launched in October 2016, the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has operationalised 669 routes, connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, while benefiting more than 1.66 crore passengers. Building on its success, the Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on March 25, 2026, with an outlay of nearly ₹29,000 crore over the next decade to accelerate regional aviation and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Under the revamped scheme, the government plans to develop 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of ₹12,159 crore. It also earmarks ₹2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support for regional airports, ₹3,661 crore for the construction of 200 modern helipads, and ₹10,043 crore as viability gap funding to sustain regional airline operations.

The scheme will also encourage the deployment of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, in underserved and remote regions.